Why Parents Should Make Time For Play

This is a guest post by David Reeves.

Playtime is the highlight of almost every child’s day, which is why parents should make time for play.

Even wild animals seem to crave a break in the day for play. We see birds chasing each other through the trees and think, “I wish I could do that!”

Yet when our own children beg us for time to play, or to play with them, there are often so many other things to do and places to be that playtime gets delayed.

It is important to remember that the idea of play differs for every child. Some children love structured activity while others look for the time to break out of structure and even run wild in the yard or on a playground.

That means there is no right or wrong way to play. Some kids like to play alone while others seek out groups, organize games or recruit their siblings to play along with them.

Bath Time Has Become A Real Game Of Thrones

Since we started bathing the boys together, there has always been a give and take when it comes to everything involved. What toys are played with, what nights are hair wash nights, who does each and most recently there has been a new development.

Forget ruling the seven kingdoms, the most coveted title these days is who gets to sit at the front of the bath. The front of the bath is where the power lies. You not only get to monopolize the water running out of the tap, you get to soak in the warmer water.

It has become a real Game of Thrones at our house.

Each night both boys race to get out of their clothes and into the bath. Not because they love the idea of getting clean or getting closer to bed time. Nope, they just want to be in the front position and stick it to the other kid for the entire process.

Dad Confessions: I Let The Kids Work It Out

june12-2014

For those who spend a lot of their day with kids, I bet there are a few things you keep to yourself.

Whether it is how you parent, what you slack off on or even what you feed (or don’t feed) the kids.

Now that I am home again all day with the boys, I have had to adjust to that life. While a one-year old and a four-year old are very different, I have been lucky to find a handful of activities they like to do together while I clean, cook or take a two-minute sanity break.

It’s one of the perks of having two kids right?

They can entertain themselves. Louis C.K. commented on having two kids in an article and said “Your first kid’s going to have a playmate, and an enemy, and all kinds of stuff that you don’t have to be anymore. It’s way better to be a referee than one of the boxers!” It is the truth.

I have always loved being a friend to our oldest son, but I know that I will never have the same relationship as he will have with his little brother. I am dad. I am the referee. I am their when they need stuff.

The New Normal Is Setting In

2014-06-06 10.22.22

We have been in Toronto for just over three weeks and a new routine has been established. It’s pretty basic. My wife goes to work and I manage the boys all day as I start the hunt for a job. Our situation has given me a lot of time to do this, so I don’t feel pressured to settle for anything.

Aside from the hunt, my day is all about keeping two energetic boys happy and entertained. It’s good work if you can get it, as a lot of people say. Of course, once I start working again, this will all change. So I am going to enjoy it while it lasts.

Our family is high on structure. We love it. Our kids operate on it. So it was important after the move to set it back in place. It did not take long. Actually, it is better than before and I feel everyone is more rested.

Things Ariel Hates Me For #1 – Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

When I was working at SimplyCast, one of my coworkers actually followed my blog. He was a dad and enjoyed reading about what I was up to. Ariel (his name) upon learning that I was moving to Toronto, suggested with true British wit, that I start doing posts about all the fun stuff he can’t do in Halifax. Since I am always looking for new ideas for content, I am taking him up on his offer. That is where “Things Ariel Hates Me For” came from. I hope you (an Ariel) enjoy these. 

IMG_1130

Things Ariel Hates Me For #1 – Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

When preparing to move back to Toronto, I got excited at all the new places to take the boys, go for a bite and simply to just explore. Having already lived in Toronto, I had a solid idea of what there was, but never got to do it as a parent. Everything is a lot different when looking at it through the eyes of a child.

One such place that was high on our radar, was the new aquarium that was built down by the CN Tower. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada looked amazing and was something that was lacking in Toronto, and Canada for that matter.

We have been to the aquarium in Boston, so we knew that Harry would love it.

It was put on the back burner as we settled in and since we also had heard it was crazy busy on weekends, there seemed no hurry for us to go.

But, with my mother-in-law being home for the week, we suggested that we all go. I think she wanted to see it just as much as the boys.

So the plan was set. While Katie worked (sorry), Casey, the boys and myself would hit the aquarium for the morning.

Toronto Move Stories – Three Days in the Car With Kids

Traveling with children under five can be hard. But if you are prepared and have some luck, you can get through it without too much pain.

We have driven to Boston before and to Ontario before with one kid. Harrison did great on those trips. The first one he was in diapers, so it was easy to keep rolling down the highway. The second time there were many more stops as Harrison just started toilet training, but it all worked out.

This trip, it was going to be three days in the car with two boys. One four, one 18 months. There would be pit stops, hotel stops, sanity stops, a lot of snacks and hopefully a lot of naps.

Charlie has only been in the car for three hours at most for one trip, so we did not know what to expect. Spoiler alert, he was amazing.

We left Halifax on Wednesday morning with the goal of being in Toronto by Friday afternoon.

Toronto Move Stories – A Suitcase With Value

2014-05-13 12.18.03

We have been in Toronto for almost two weeks and I am just now starting to get into a groove. The boys are settled into their routine and that means I have some time again to write in the afternoon. I was thinking to myself that our move from Halifax to Toronto went pretty smooth, but there were some great stories to share.

So that is what I will be doing over the next little while. Catching you up on the whole move, the packing, the road trip, how the boys did and of course how we are fitting in back in Toronto.

The first story I need to share was almost a horrible situation (mostly for me) and it occurred before we even started the drive.

We needed to pack up our house for movers on the 13th. They were coming early, so we had to be ready. For two days Katie and I were going non stop. Tired, hot, annoyed, stressed and 27 other feelings. It was a big job and it never seemed like we were getting anywhere.

Katie had a helpful plan of attack for packing. It was pretty simple. There were three piles.

Finding the Perfect Babysitter

This is a guest post by Rachael Cherry. Rachael is passionate about helping connect families in need with high quality caregivers.

When it comes to finding a babysitter, you don’t want to worry about second-guessing your choice. You need to have a great deal of trust in this individual for he or she is responsible for the most important aspect of your life while you’re away. You don’t want to spend time at work or a night out worrying if your children are safe with the person you hired as a babysitter. What can you do to help ensure you find the perfect candidate to care for your little ones?

1. Use a Reputable Agency – Nearly every babysitting and nanny agency provides screening for candidates. Many of these organizations will go to great lengths to help you find the best person for your particular needs. Personal bio, profiles and more can be obtained prior to meeting the individual allowing you to choose which you would like to interview for the position.